Governor Fletcher Praises Senator Kelly for His Work on this Important Education Initiative
Frankfort, KY: Governor Ernie Fletcher joined today with Senator Dan Kelly and other state legislators as Senator Kelly rolled out his "Read to Achieve" bill. The Governor and the General Assembly strongly believe that reading proficiency is the gateway skill necessary for students to achieve the academic goals established by KERA and to be successful in life. The "Read to Achieve Act of 2004" creates the framework that will enable all students to read at grade level by the end of the primary program.
The "Read to Achieve Act of 2004":
Provides for a comprehensive school wide reading program in each elementary school.
Provides diagnostic reading assessments and intervention services for struggling students in Kentucky's elementary schools.
Ensures quality instruction by highly trained teachers.
Continues the "Collaborative Center for Literacy Development: Early Childhood through Adulthood."
Creates a reading diagnostic and intervention fund to provide renewable two-year grants to assist schools in helping struggling readers.
Creates the Reading Diagnostic and Intervention Grant Steering Committee.
"Early childhood literacy has been a passion of mine for some time. I am proud to see the governor use his leadership to make this initiative a priority," said Senator Dan Kelly.
"In order to provide a brighter future for every citizen in this great Commonwealth, Kentucky must take its Early Reading Programs to the next level," stated Governor Fletcher. "Senator Kelly and the many other state legislators who have supported this initiative have brought Kentucky one step closer to reaching our vision of providing every child in this state with the opportunity to read by the end of the third grade."
Included in this initiative is a version of Senator Jack Westwood's (R-Crescent Springs) 1998 bill (SB 186) which established grants to support teachers in the implementation of research-based reading models to help struggling readers. To date, one-third of Kentucky's elementary schools have used the program.
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